Nathan Smith

Nathan Smith is a talented two-sport athlete, a good student, a great kid and a super teammate.

“He is one of the most coachable players that I have worked with in 25 years of coaching,” Lake Region varsity boys’ basketball Coach J.P. Yorkey said. “Nate is a quick learner, has great focus, and the maturity as an athlete that it takes to be successful.”

In basketball, Coach Yorkey believes that Nate is one of the better players in the Western Maine Conference.

“He has the complete package as a scorer as he is an excellent perimeter shooter, can also drive and finish, and also has a very accurate pull-up jump shot,” the coach said. “Nate is also a play-maker. He has the best assist to turnover ratio on our team and is second on the team in assists. Nate is an instinctive passer who never hesitates to hit the open man. He is actually too unselfish and I have to get on him about passing up shots.”

With hard work, Nate has become a very good defensive player, as well.

“He thrives when we press, reading the floor well, anticipating passes and getting steals and deflections. Nate has become a very good on-the-ball defender — very disciplined, doesn’t reach.  Nate is also a good positional defender and a capable rebounder,” Coach Yorkey said. “On our team, a lot of our guys rebound and our rebound leader can vary night to night. You can count on Nate for 5 to 7 rebounds a night, but he has had games with as many as 14 rebounds. Nate is a very well-rounded player in addition to being a scorer. Sometimes, I forget that he is only a junior. He plays like a senior.”

Nate is very dedicated to his sport and team. He never misses practices, games and summer activities. He always does his best in practice with both effort and concentration.

“Nate clearly has the respect of his teammates as evidenced by him being elected as a captain as a junior. He is also well respected by opposing coaches,” Coach Yorkey added. “Nate also has a good sense of humor, doesn’t take himself too seriously and he’s very humble. He’s a good teammate — sensitive to others feelings and always tries to include and encourage everyone. Nate can always be counted on to work with younger players at camps, clinics and tournaments. For these reasons and more, Nathan Smith is our Hancock Lumber Player of the Week.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Nathan is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed T-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Smith File

Name: Nathan Smith

Year in School: Junior

Town: Naples

Parents: Wendy

Sports you play: Baseball, basketball

School organizations: Varsity Club

Best piece of advice you have received? “To never give up on anything in life, failure breeds success,” from my mom.

Who is your biggest fan? My mom because she has always been here for me through success and failure.

I know I have had a good sports day when… I help my team win.

What is your favorite sport? Basketball, because it is fast-paced and you can play it year round.

If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change… My height, so I could be taller.

What qualities make for a good teammate and whom do you consider a good teammate? Dedication, honesty and loyalty. I consider all of my teammates good teammates.

What do you believe you bring to your team? I believe I bring a good attitude and the mindset of not settling for anything but winning.

What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach? Dedication, loyalty and honesty, and I think Coach Yorkey has all of these.